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Thursday, April 23, 2015

LMSD Forum Looks at Personal Smart Phone/Tablet Use in School

The Louisville Municipal School District held a forum at the

Louisville High Auditorium on Tuesday for parent and public input concerning a possible Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)Program in the District.

The public was presented with information relating to the use of smart phones, tablets, etc in the classroom and given the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions related to the control and administration of such a program.

Superintendent Ken McMullan told the attendees that education has no choice but to embrace technology, noting that it is part of the future and there is no going back. McMullan indicated that the Distrct was considering the program because, "financially, LMSD cannot afford to buy every student a device. What we can do is at least try to put a device in every student's hand."

The audience was presented with information from teachers and students and provided an opportunity to express support or concerns. The highlights of the program includes:

It is hoped that the BYOD program will increase access to online instructional material.

The school will not be responsible for lost/stolen or damaged devices.

Students are not required to participate in the program.

The devices may be used in the classroom for specific activities.

Free wireless internet will be provided on the school network and students must follow the LMSD Acceptable Use Policy.

A student's BYOD privileges can be revoked if guidelines are not followed.

McMullan also said, "I don't want to oversell this program as a cure-all. There will be some problems (improper use) but we are already dealing with those problems.... without the program in place."

No final decision has been made at this time for implementation of the program.